The Apple share price is shown on a stock ticker on Aug. 21, 2012, in New York City. It was a day after the company's market cap had made it the world's most valuable company.

Written by

Douglas A. McIntyre
24/7 Wall St.

Each January, 24/7 Wall St. forecasts the publicly traded U.S. companies that will have the highest profits in the year ahead.

This year, Apple (AAPL) almost certainly will keep first place, well ahead of No. 2 Exxon (XOM), as the most profitable corporation in America. It already passed the oil giant in market capitalization. However, while the market appears to anticipate continued rapid growth from Apple, its prospects have dimmed somewhat. After reaching all-time highs last year, Apple's stock advance has stopped and shares have sold off recently.